Abstract: A system and methods for transprojection of geometry data acquired by a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CMM acquires geometry data corresponding to 3D coordinate measurements collected by a measuring probe that are transformed into scaled 2D data that is transprojected upon various digital object image views captured by a camera. The transprojection process can utilize stored image and coordinate information or perform live transprojection viewing capabilities in both still image and video modes.

Abstract: A method of locating the spatial position of a frame of reference comprising placing an emitter module having a fixed stand, a light beam source carried by the stand to pivot about two distance axes and two associated angular position sensors into place. Targets which indicate when they are illuminated by the light beam are placed around the emitter module and the source of the emitter module is caused to pivot so as to illuminate each target in succession so that the corresponding angles of the source are stored, and the angles and the coordinates of the targets are used for computing the position of the frame of reference.

Abstract: The contact sensor of the hinged arm of a measurement machine for taking measurements in three dimensions is replaced by a light sensor secured at the same position. A first position-marking axis defined by a light beam emitted by an emitter disposed in a first position is used to determine a first vector by two measured points. The emitter is moved in a plane so as to take up a second position, and a second position-marking axis defined by the light beam of said emitter is used by measuring a point on the second axis. The projection [O.sub.1 ] of the second axis point onto the first position-marking axis is then used to enable a frame of reference [O.sub.1 X, O.sub.1 Y, O.sub.1 Z] to be established.